Susie Griffin, Griffin Wellness Solutions

The Back Country Horsemen of America, or BCHA, is a national non-profit organization originally formed in Montana’s Flathead Valley in 1973. The founding four’s (Ken Ausk, Dulane Fulton, Dennis Swift, and Roland Cheek) specialized knowledge of stock and backcountry created a foundation from which several of the organization’s mission statements developed: 

• To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage.

• To assist the various government and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource. 

Since 1973, the non-profit organization’s presence, membership, and impact have significantly grown. BCHA can be found in 32 states, serving over 212 chapters and approximately 13,000 members. Statistics from 2021 show that BCHA volunteers spent 196,480 hours maintaining trails on public lands. These hours of volunteer trail work equate to $8.4 million dollars which saves local and federal land management agencies human and equipment resources. 

Although “horse” is in the name, BCHA’s volunteers work on public trails accessed and enjoyed not only by horseback riders but hikers and mountain bikers as well. In fact, BCH volunteers do not need to know how to ride, let alone own a horse to join or participate in trail maintenance. Just relating to the organization’s mission is a buy-in. Regardless, the horse has a well-earned place not only in the organization’s name but in the performance of its mission. Food, camping gear, and trail maintenance equipment vital to assisting the work of the human volunteers are packed by horses and mules into remote, backcountry areas, not accessible by four-wheeled vehicles. 

The Back Country Horsemen chapters collaborate and work closely with local and federal land management agencies such as the U.S. Forest Services, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Leave No Trace Foundation. BCHA also invests in encouraging young people to participate in clearing and maintaining trails. They coordinate with conservation corps and youth groups to mentor young leaders in the sustainable use of wilderness and back country resources. The rewards for the youth are not only outdoor and wilderness experience, but an understanding and appreciation of community and stewardship. 

Several Back Country Horsemen local chapters and a state chapter already exist in Arizona; the East Valley chapter in Apache Junction works within the Tonto National Forest and the Central Arizona chapter partners with the Prescott National Forest. There is an opportunity of adding another Back Country Horsemen chapter here in the White Mountains. A grassroots effort was previously attempted several years ago by Terry Wagner, but COVID rudely interrupted the progress. However, the reins have been picked up by Mreen Helm, a local White Mountain area resident, avid horseback rider, and BCHA advocate. Several steps have already been completed toward chapter formation. A planning committee meeting was held on March 1, wherein several members from the Back Country Horsemen state chapter attended. Essential information was shared, the next steps outlined, and interim board positions were filled. 

The White Mountain chapter will honor the Back Country Horsemen of America’s mission and vision, assisting and collaborating with private and government land management agencies within the five ranger districts. One of the White Mountain local land management agencies is TRACKS. Communication has been initiated between the proposed BCH of the White Mountains chapter and the TRACKS president, Nick Lund, on the specifics of a possible partnership. 

For more information about the Back Country Horsemen of America, its Arizona chapters, TRACKS, or participating in the formation of a White Mountain BCH chapter, please utilize the following resources.  

- Back Country Horsemen of America: www.bcha.org  

- Back Country Horsemen – White Mountains (Organizational Forum) Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/1657541711368644 

- Mreen Helm: mreenhelm@gmail.com 

- East Valley Back Country Horsemen Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/304689623023976/ 

- East Valley Back Country Horsemen Website :www.evbch.org

- Back Country Horsemen of Central Arizona:https://bchcaz.org/ 

- TRACKS White Mountain Trail system: https://trackswhitemountains.org/trails/ 

BCHA Mission

• To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back country and wilderness.

• To work to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use.

• To assist the various government and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource.

• To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage.

• To foster and encourage the formation of new state Back Country Horsemen’s organizations.